Core Viewpoint - International Paper Company (IP) reported mixed financial results for Q1 2025, with adjusted earnings per share of 23 cents, missing the consensus estimate of 35 cents, but showing a 35% year-over-year improvement driven by the acquisition of DS Smith and price increases [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company posted a net loss per share of 24 cents from continuing operations, impacted by one-time costs related to the DS Smith acquisition and other adjustments, compared to earnings of 16 cents in the same quarter last year [2]. - Net sales reached $5.9 billion, a 27.8% increase from the previous year, but fell short of the consensus estimate of $6.6 billion [3]. - Gross profit increased by 37.4% year over year to $1.64 billion, with a gross margin of 27.8%, up from 25.9% in the prior year [3]. - Selling and administrative costs rose 48% to $530 million, while adjusted operating profit surged 65.6% to $101 million compared to $61 million in Q1 2024 [4]. Segment Performance - **Packaging Solutions North America**: Sales were $3.7 billion, up 6.2% year over year, but operating profit fell 26% to $142 million [6]. - **Packaging Solutions EMEA**: Sales increased to $1.55 billion from $0.35 billion, with operating profit soaring 91.7% to $46 million [7]. - **Global Cellulose Fibers**: Sales declined 8.7% to $643 million, but the segment reported an operating profit of $17 million, recovering from a loss of $47 million in the previous year [8]. Cash and Debt Position - Cash and temporary investments totaled $1.16 billion at the end of Q1 2025, slightly down from $1.17 billion at the end of 2024 [9]. - Long-term debt increased to $9.18 billion from $5.37 billion at the end of 2024, with cash used in operating activities amounting to $288 million in Q1 2025, compared to a cash inflow of $395 million in Q1 2024 [9]. Future Expectations - The company targets sales of $27 billion for 2025, reflecting a 45% increase from $18.6 billion in 2024, driven by the DS Smith acquisition [10]. - Projected sales for North American Packaging Solutions are $15.5 billion, while EMEA Packaging Solutions are expected to reach $9 billion [11]. - The Global Cellulose Fibers segment is anticipated to contribute $2.5 billion to sales [11]. - Adjusted total EBITDA is forecasted to be between $3.5 billion and $4 billion for 2025, up from $1.99 billion in 2024 [12]. Stock Performance - International Paper's shares have increased by 41.4% over the past year, outperforming the industry average of 25.5% [13].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter adjusted operating earnings per share was $0.23 compared to a negative $0.02 in the fourth quarter, indicating a significant recovery [26] - The company expects nearly $800 million of run rate quarterly EBITDA in the first half of the year, accelerating to $1.1 billion by Q4 [10] - The company anticipates free cash flow for the full year to be in the range of $100 million to $300 million [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Packaging Solutions North America business saw higher sales and adjusted EBITDA due to the addition of the DS Smith North American business and benefits from sales price increases [29] - The adjusted EBITDA contribution from DS Smith operations in North America was $7 million for two months of the first quarter, with expectations for an additional $25 million in the second quarter [33] - The Packaging Solutions EMEA business benefited from two months of the former DS Smith European legacy business, contributing $104 million to adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry demand in North America was down 2% in the first quarter, with expectations for this level of demand to continue into the second quarter [13] - Demand across European markets was soft in the first quarter but is expected to remain stable on a quarter-to-quarter basis [13] - The company noted a significant gap closure to market by approximately 500 basis points in the North American packaging business [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company outlined three pillars of its strategy designed to drive sustainable value creation, focusing on building an advantaged cost position, superior customer experience, and profitable market share growth [8] - The company is targeting $1.9 billion of cost reductions by the end of 2027, with approximately $400 million already achieved [15] - The integration of DS Smith is a key focus, with significant synergies expected from the combination [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, noting strong negative consumer and business sentiment [12] - The company is prepared for three different scenarios regarding demand, with a focus on controlling its own destiny through strategic execution [14] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to strategy execution despite external challenges [70] Other Important Information - The company will report legacy IP and DS Smith businesses in North America as Packaging Solutions North America and in EMEA as Packaging Solutions EMEA [20] - The strategic option process for the global cellulose fiber business is ongoing, with several interested parties in the due diligence phase [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What demand assumptions are being used for the full year EBITDA guidance? - Management indicated confidence in landing between 3.5% and 4% EBITDA if demand remains stable, with April showing signs of stabilization [49][50] Question: How has the tariff situation impacted the pulp business? - Management noted a mid-single-digit risk to demand due to tariffs, but overall demand remains stable [62][63] Question: Can you provide more details on market share gains in North America? - Management reported improvements in service and reliability, leading to a turnaround in market share, particularly among small to medium-sized customers [78][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter adjusted operating earnings per share was $0.23 compared to a negative $0.02 in the fourth quarter, indicating a significant recovery [30] - The company expects a run rate quarterly EBITDA of nearly $800 million in the first half of the year, accelerating to $1.1 billion by Q4 [12][16] - Free cash flow for the full year is expected to be in the range of $100 million to $300 million [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Packaging Solutions North America business saw higher sales and adjusted EBITDA due to the addition of the DS Smith North American business and benefits from sales price increases [33] - The adjusted EBITDA contribution from DS Smith operations in North America was $7 million for two months of the first quarter, with expectations for an additional $25 million in the second quarter [37] - The Packaging Solutions EMEA business benefited from two months of the former DS Smith European legacy business, contributing $104 million to adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry demand in North America was down 2% in the first quarter, with expectations for this level to continue into the second quarter [15] - Demand across European markets was soft in the first quarter but is expected to remain stable in the second quarter [15] - The company noted a significant gap closure to market by approximately 500 basis points in the North American packaging business [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic pillars: building an advantaged cost position, enhancing customer experience, and driving profitable market share growth [10] - The company aims to achieve $1.9 billion in cost savings by the end of 2027, with approximately $400 million already realized [17] - The integration of DS Smith is a key focus, with a target of achieving $600 million to $700 million in synergies [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, noting strong negative consumer and business sentiment [15] - The company is prepared for various scenarios, including potential economic deterioration, and is focused on controlling its own destiny [16] - Management remains optimistic about achieving the targeted range of earnings improvements if demand remains stable [15] Other Important Information - The company is implementing an "eighty-twenty" performance system to drive significant earnings improvement and commercial excellence [20] - The company is actively pursuing a strategic option process for its Global Cellulose Fibers business, with several interested parties in the due diligence phase [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand trends and EBITDA guidance - Management indicated that if demand remains stable, they feel confident in achieving an EBITDA target between $3.5 billion and $4 billion [53][64] Question: Impact of tariffs on pulp business - Management noted that there is mid-single-digit risk to demand due to tariffs, but overall demand remains stable [66][67] Question: Market share gains in North America - Management reported improvements in service and reliability, leading to modest market share gains in local accounts [81][85] Question: Operating rates and portfolio assessment - Management confirmed stability in demand and indicated ongoing footprint optimization efforts [86][89] Question: EBITDA bridge from first half to second half - Management explained that the second half is expected to see a significant increase in EBITDA due to cost savings and price realization [97][100]

Core Viewpoint - Berry Global reported quarterly earnings of $1.55 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 per share, but down from $1.95 per share a year ago, indicating a 20.51% year-over-year decline in earnings [1][2] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $2.52 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.69%, but down from $3.08 billion in the same quarter last year, reflecting a year-over-year revenue decline of 17.99% [2] - Over the last four quarters, Berry Global has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - Berry Global shares have increased approximately 4.5% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of 5.5% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.75 on revenues of $2.52 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $6.21 on revenues of $9.9 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Berry Global is mixed, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Containers - Paper and Packaging industry, to which Berry Global belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 17% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8]

Core Viewpoint - International Paper reported quarterly earnings of $0.23 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.35 per share, representing an earnings surprise of -34.29% [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $5.9 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.70%, compared to year-ago revenues of $4.62 billion [2] - Over the last four quarters, International Paper has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - International Paper shares have lost about 11.5% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has declined by -5.5% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.56 on $6.91 billion in revenues, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.49 on $27.38 billion in revenues [7] Industry Outlook - The Paper and Related Products industry is currently in the top 11% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact stock performance [5][6]

First Quarter 2025 Earnings April 30, 2025 Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this presentation that are not historical in nature may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking or conditional words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "could," "should," "can," "forecast," "intend," "look," "may," "will," "remain ...

Core Insights - International Paper reported a net loss of $105 million, or $(0.24) per diluted share, for Q1 2025, compared to a net income of $56 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, in Q1 2024. Adjusted operating earnings were $101 million, or $0.23 per diluted share [1][4][20] - The increase in net sales to $5.9 billion in Q1 2025 from $4.6 billion in Q1 2024 was primarily driven by the acquisition of DS Smith, sales price increases, and cost reductions [1][3][5] - The company faced a pre-tax charge of $271 million related to accelerated depreciation and restructuring costs due to the closure of the Red River containerboard mill [2][11] Financial Performance - Q1 2025 net sales were $5,901 million, up from $4,619 million in Q1 2024, while net earnings (loss) were $(105) million compared to $56 million in Q1 2024 [5][20] - Adjusted operating earnings for Q1 2025 were $101 million, a significant increase from $(7) million in Q4 2024 and $61 million in Q1 2024 [5][27] - Free cash flow for Q1 2025 was $(618) million, a decline from $144 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to increased capital spending and transformation costs [11][32][33] Segment Performance - The Packaging Solutions North America segment reported net sales of $3,702 million in Q1 2025, up from $3,486 million in Q1 2024, but operating profit decreased to $142 million from $192 million [8][10] - The Packaging Solutions EMEA segment generated net sales of $1,550 million in Q1 2025, with an operating profit of $46 million, compared to $348 million in sales and $24 million in profit in Q1 2024 [8][9] - The Global Cellulose Fibers segment saw a slight improvement in operating profit to $17 million in Q1 2025 from a loss of $(250) million in Q4 2024, despite lower sales [10] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on its 80/20 strategy to enhance performance by prioritizing valuable customers and aligning resources accordingly [3] - The acquisition of DS Smith is expected to strengthen the company's market position in North America and EMEA, although overall market demand has been softer than anticipated [3][6] - Management is taking actions within its control to drive commercial excellence and cost reductions amid an uncertain macroeconomic environment [3]

Clearwater Paper (CLW) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 09:42 PM ET Speaker0 Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. My name is Carmen, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Clearwater Paper First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer session. Thank you. Would now like to turn the call over to Sloan ...

First Quarter Earnings Release Materials April 29, 2025 ARSEN KITCH President, Chief Executive Officer and Director SHERRI BAKER Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Forward Looking Statements 2024 Was a Transformational Year For Clearwater Paper Completed acquisition of Augusta paperboard mill for $700M on May 1 Increased total SBS capacity to ~1.4M tons Balanced network to deliver lower landed costs and targeting synergies of $40-50M by end of 2026 Completed sale of tissue business for $1.06 ...

Sonoco, which belongs to the Zacks Containers - Paper and Packaging industry, posted revenues of $1.71 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 18.89%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $1.64 billion. The company has not been able to beat consensus revenue estimates over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's comme ...